In less than two weeks the Vanguard Showhouse opens its doors but yours truly had a sneak peek at what’s to come and boy oh boy is everyone in for a treat.
Before walking in, I reflected on an earlier visit I made to 17 Chapel to an empty condo and thought to myself “I can’t wait to see what they’ll have done with this in a few weeks.” That time was now.
My visit to 17 Chapel consisted of tours in three different spaces. Each one had a different floor plan with a unique color scheme. Imagine, if you will, the most elegant, comfortable, luxurious, sleek, and unique interior design you’ve ever laid eyes on.
The first room I walked into was decorated and carpeted. The walls, which were once different shades of gray, were painted with designs elaborate enough to keep you staring at the wall for hours. After only seeing the painting on the wall and the fabulous kitchen you can’t wait to see what furniture they select to enhance the room even more.
Often times, imagination trumps reality but walking into the next space this wasn’t one of those times because the second apartment we walked into smashed my imagination into smithereens. With a color scheme I’ll call “cappuccino,” a feeling of warmth and comfort immediately came over me. The furniture was in perfect place and complimented the surrounding colors in a way that has to be seen to be appreciated. The bathroom was gallant. Overall, the rooms, the colors, the furnishing, everything felt majestic.
Barbara Richer, President of Vanguard and our impromptu tour guide praised the designers for their creative execution, “I’ve been doing these for a very long time but this year’s Showhouse is truly a marvel, time and time again our incredible designers find new ways to work together and leave all of us captivated each time we walk into a room.”
As we entered the third and final room of our tour, I happened to see designer Mark Stem putting the finishing touches on the study. “It’s wonderful to see it all come together the way it has been,” said Mark, “This is a beautiful property rich with history and I’m happy to be a part of the Vanguard effort to bring the Showhouse to 17 Chapel.” Mark comes to 17 Chapel three times a week to volunteer his services.
The third room was my favorite. Without giving away too much, I’ll put it like this: If you would’ve told me the colors and the type of decoration I should expect then I’d immediately be critical of it but when my eyes saw what was in front of them, they fell in love.
The Vanguard Showhouse Opening Day is on Tuesday May 1st at 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM. I encourage you and everyone around you to come to 17 Chapel and see for yourselves the splendor that my colleagues and I saw.
Learn more by visiting:
http://downtownalbany.org/events/2012-vanguard-albany-symphony-inc-designer-showhouse
-EH
